Location: Palau
At last, after 22 days at sea, the 112-foot schooner Argo enters the waters of Palau. Watch team 2 (my watch team) is woken around 0330 for their 0400-0800 boat watch. All 10 watch team members meet at midships for their briefing. Off her starboard side, the dark silhouette of land is thrilling, even at a distance. Their final watch as a team flies by; they are first instructed to lower two sails, both the Jib and the Main stay sail. Next, they are asked to clean the anchor locker, which is home to all bagged garbage from the last few weeks at sea (gross). The anchor locker is cleared, and the team gathers to drop the port side anchor. By 0615, our Anchor is dropped. Before beginning boat appreciation day (loads of cleaning and organizing), the team gathers around the cockpit eating breakfast and watching the sunrise off the islands of Palau. During their final watch hour, they discuss their favorite memories made over the last few weeks at sea, a bittersweet moment. Boat appreciation begins; the entire crew spends all day (until 1700) cleaning and organizing their girl to get her back to tip-top shape after weeks of severe weather conditions (and to prepare for customs). The crew members take their first ocean shower in weeks, enjoying the warmth of the calm blue water. The day ends perfectly, with a sign-out night. The crew dinghies onto land in groups of 8; they enjoy cold drinks, hot food, and cellular service for the first time in weeks. Laughter and smiles all around, the crew of Argo is now in town (Palau).
Side Note
The vessel’s arrival in Palau signifies the beginning of the end. Of the crew, 8 of 32 are departing Argo in a few short days; while the arrival in Palau has been highly anticipated, the idea of leaving Argo so soon is saddening for those 40-dayers. The friendships built on Argo will last a lifetime, and for that I am internally grateful for the opportunity to be a crew member on this special vessel.
To my friends and family, I miss you all so much! A special shout-out to my mom, Joe. Happy Late Birthday! I cannot wait to hug you!
Amy (number eleven)